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PSA that doesn't drop after surgery: what does it mean?

Dr. Fernando Gómez Sancha · Urologist · Medical Director of ICUA

Video published: · 0:40 · Excerpt 1:53–2:34

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Now, there are some slightly worrying scenarios. First, the PSA drops a lot, but doesn't reach zero. This is normal. There's always some prostate tissue left. The prostate capsule is still there.

A PSA from zero point two to one after surgery is perfectly acceptable. Second scenario: the PSA doesn't drop as expected. If after surgery the PSA stays above one, two, three, four, five, it needs investigating.

It could mean residual tissue was left, which is rare with an experienced surgeon, or there could be a component of a cancer that was hidden.